Eyeliners
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September 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
Although I like the way that eyeliner looks on me, it’s been a challenge to find products that work well for me.
As seems to be the case for many people, my eyes are especially sensitive and have the potential to react to ingredients (such as certain artificial colorants) that do not seem to bother me in cosmetics used on other parts of my face.
In addition, many sharpenable eye pencils include non-organic cottonseed oil, which is an ingredient that I have rarely seen in other beauty products and that to my understanding is almost always highly contaminated with glyphosate (aka Roundup) and other agricultural toxicants.
The fact that glyphosate is known to have a negative effect on the microbiome – killing off good bacteria and allowing bad fungi to grow more easily – is especially concerning to me since I once almost lost one of my eyes to a severely painful infection that I now think likely was fungal rather than bacterial.
(After prescriptions from a conventional ophthalmologist did nothing to help the symptoms, I finally addressed the issue successfully through the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, by the way.)
While retractable eyeliners usually do not include cottonseed oil, most of the higher-performing ones include cyclic silicones such as cyclopentasiloxane.
Cyclic silicones are on Credo’s “dirty list,” which I consider to be a little unfortunate since EWG considers these to be only mildly problematic and no worse than other silicones such as dimethicone that Credo does allow.
(Apparently silicone in general is not very good for the environment, but the amount used in eyeliner pencil seems to me so small that I’m disinclined to worry about that a whole lot.)
While I am not convinced that I have ever reacted negatively to cyclic silicones in any form, many of the eyeliners on the market that include cyclic silicones also contain other ingredients that EWG considers to be more problematic and that I do think that I personally need to avoid.
In addition to not irritating my eyes, I feel that an ideal eyeliner would go on smoothly; would allow me to easily create either a thin or a thick line; would briefly stay pliable after application so that I have a chance to smudge it out if I choose; would soon set down to the point that it would remain in place for at least several hours after application; and would come off fairly easily with cleanser and warm water. (Having a smudger tip on the end would be a bonus.)
I’ve had a hard time thus far finding many eyeliners that have been non-irritating and that have provided me with this kind of well-rounded performance, but the “clean beauty” category is growing so fast that perhaps that will change in the near future.
One other thing that I realized recently when I started experimenting with using eyeliner again is that lining under my eyes usually ended up making me look worse rather than better – more tired, more haggard, more wrinkled.
I’ve since read that many makeup artists suggest that the use of eyeliner under the eyes has the tendency to make mature women look older, and it does seem that using eyeliner just on top of my eyes rather than underneath seems to be working better for me these days.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
+100% Pure Creamy Long Last Liner ($27)
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner ($28)
+Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil ($23)
Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Liner ($22)
+Jane Iredale Eye Pencil ($17)
+W3LL People Fresh Lines Eye Pencil ($17)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Burt’s Bees Defining Retractable Eyeliner ($10)
Glossier No. 1 Pencil ($16)
Ilia Clean Gel Eyeliner ($26)
Jones Road The Best Pencil ($22)
Milani Stay Put Eyeliner ($9)
+RMS Beauty Straight Line Kohl Eye Pencil ($20)
Tarte Sea Surfer Curl Waterproof Gel Eyeliner ($20)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Bare Minerals Mineralist Long-Lasting Eyeliner ($19)
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($32)
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil ($10)
Wander Beauty Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner ($21)
♠ Trash Can:
Alima Pure Natural Definition Eye Pencil ($22)
Aveda Petal Essence Eye Definer ($30)
Chantecaille Luster Glide Eye Liner ($33)
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes ($22)
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense ($22)
Honest Vibeliner Pencil Eyeliner ($13)
Mineral Fusion Eye Pencil ($18)
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner ($28)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner ($28)
Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil ($23)
√ Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Liner ($22)
Jones Road The Best Pencil ($22)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
100% Pure Creamy Long Last Liner – $27
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Problematic Colorants: None
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Wooden Pencil
The description of this product reads, “Creamy, long-lasting eyeliner pencil glides easily onto lids to line and define your eyes. Jojoba, chamomile butter, and mango seed oil moisturize and nourish skin while ensuring a smooth, flake-free application with every use.”
These eyeliners have what looks to me like a very clean ingredients list, and the one that I tried has not bothered my eyes at all.
However, this is a relatively hard pencil that makes it a little difficult for me to draw a line on my eyelids.
I do feel that it looks nice on my eyes once I finally get the color on and that it smudges out pretty well.
It seems to set fairly quickly and to hold up well.
The pencil is available in three colors. I have the Dark Cacao and feel that it works pretty well for me.
Size: 0.04 oz.
100% Pure Rating: 4.5 (1718 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Canola Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, Glyceryl Caprylate, Carnauba Wax, Tocopherol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate. May contain: Iron Oxides, Mica
Bare Minerals Mineralist Long-Lasting Eyeliner – $19
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Problematic Colorants: Blue #1
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Twist-Up Pencil
The description of this product reads, “This clean, vegan mineral-based waterproof eyeliner delivers rich, vibrant long-lasting color that won’t smudge, budge or flake all day. Retractable eyeliner delivers richly pigmented color in one stroke. Available in a range of vibrant shades in matte and metallic finishes. Glides on easily without skipping or tugging. Stays creamy to allow for blending, then sets to a long-wearing finish. Avocado oil and aloe vera soothe and nourish.”
I tried this pencil in late 2021, but it looks like the company has made a few changes in the formula since then.
The version that I tried held up pretty well on my eyes and did not irritate them, but unfortunately I found it difficult to create anything other than a thick smudgey line with it.
I hope to try the new version in the near future.
Size: 0.012 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.6 Stars (286 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (4), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Isododecane, Polyethylene, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Polybutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Safflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Phytosterols, Olive Fruit Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Octyldodecanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Sorbitan Oleate. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Blue 1.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner – $32
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Problematic Colorants: Blue #1, Chromium Oxide Greens, Yellow #5, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Ultramarines, Ferric Ferrocyanide
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Pot Gel
The description of this product reads, “This forever-favorite long-lasting eyeliner provides ultra-precise, budge-proof, smudge-proof, fade-proof definition. A must-have for our pros, this highly pigmented, smooth gel-based formula lets you create subtle to dramatic looks effortlessly. Offers the precision of liquid liner with the ease of a gel-based formula. Stays on for 8 hours without smudging or fading. Resists sweat and humidity and is waterproof.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 0.1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (2494 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), BHT (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Chromium oxide greens (5), Yellow #5 (6), Chromium hydroxide green (4), Ultramarines (3), Ferric ferrocyanide (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methicone, Barium Sulfate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Blue 1, Carmine, Chromium Oxide Greens, Manganese Violet, Yellow 5, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Bismuth Oxychloride, Ultramarines, Ferric Ferrocyanide.
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner – $28
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Problematic Colorants: Ferric Ferrocyanide, Chromium Dioxide Green, Ultramarines, Yellow #5, Chromium Oxide Greens, Blue #1
Contains Silicone: Yes
Type: Twist-Up Pencil
The description of this product reads, “This gel-based eyeliner pencil delivers long-wearing, richly pigmented color and precision lining that doesn’t flake and stays color true all day. Plus, its silky-soft and creamy texture gives it a lightweight, comfortable feel and makes it easy to apply without tugging or pulling.”
I own two of these pencils and have liked them very much.
I have found that they go on very smoothly and easily, allowing me to draw a nice fine line or to increase it to a thicker one.
The pencil is briefly smudgeable just after being applied, but then stays in place until I make a real effort to remove it with cleanser and water.
I have two colors – Chocolate Truffle (“a rich brown”) and Scotch (“a gold bronze with shimmer”) – and think they both look very nice on me.
The pencils do include a few ingredients that EWG considers to be concerning, including cyclopentasiloxane (a cyclic silicone) and some artificial colorings.
Despite this, I do not feel that these pencils have irritated my eyes at all, even when I have worn the product for an extended period of time.
I’ve used one of the pencils for more than six months, and it has continued to perform really well for me.
Although I think that it might be possible for the company to reduce the number other artificial colorants in the formula, in general the product has worked really well for me.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.0 Stars (198 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (3), Zinc gluconate (3), Ferric ferrocyanide (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Chromium dioxide green (4), Ultramarines (3), Yellow #5 (6), Chromium oxide greens (6), Blue #1 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Polybutene, Candelilla Wax, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Silica Silylate, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline Wax, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopheryl Nicotinate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Silica, Tin Oxide, Water. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Titanium Dioxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Ultramarines, Carmine, Manganese Violet, Yellow 5, Chromium Oxide Greens, Blue 1.
Burt’s Bees Defining Retractable Eyeliner – $10
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Problematic Colorants: Chromium Oxide Greens, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Ultramarines, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Twist-Up Pencil
The description of this product reads, “Our Defining Eyeliner glides on easily with a gel-like, creamy feel. Formulated with nourishing Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and other natural emollients, including natural resins and beeswax for a vivid, defined look.”
This twist-up eye pencil does not include silicone and it has been difficult for me to draw anything other than a quite thick line with it.
In addition, when I have tried to smudge out the thick line, it has tended to go patchy on me rather than looking smooth and blended.
On the plus side, despite the fact that the product includes a few problematic coloring agents, I have not found that it has irritated my eyes at all.
In addition, my experience has been that the pencil lines dry down almost immediately and then stay put quite well until I remove them.
As of this writing, six shades are listed on the website. I have Brown Quartz, which is a plain dark brown color without any apparent shimmer.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (343 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Chromium oxide greens (5), Chromium hydroxide green (4), Ultramarines (3), Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Candelilla wax, heptyl undecylenate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, decyl cocoate, shorea robusta resin, beeswax, jojoba seed oil, carnauba wax, silica, octyldodecanol, lecithin, shea butter, polyhydroxystearic acid, hydrogenated vegetable oil, sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, tocopherol, soybean oil, sorbitan tristearate, citric acid, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate. May contain: iron oxides, chromium oxide greens, chromium hydroxide green, ultramarines, ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, manganese violet
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil – $10
Performance Rating: Not Yet Tried
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Problematic Colorants: None
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Wooden Pencil
The description of this product reads, “Beautifully define your eyes with our fade- and smudge-proof Eyeliner Pencil. 99.9% natural and specifically formulated for your delicate eye area. Made with Jojoba, Mango and responsibly sourced Meadowfoam Seed Oils to help nourish your skin. 99.9% natural, fade- and smudge-proof color that beautifully defines and enhances your eyes. Available in three distinct shades. Pencil is made of responsibly sourced cedar wood. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers; ophthalmologist tested. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum or synthetic fragrances; not tested on animals.”
This pencil is available in three colors – Midnight Gray, Soft Black, and Warm Brown.
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 0.04 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.2 Stars (92 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredients Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (5), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Hydrogenated jojoba oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, meadowfoam seed oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, mango seed oil, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, macadamia integrifolia seed oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, matricaria flower extract, tocopherol, glyceryl caprylate, ascorbyl palmitate. May Contain: mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides
Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil – $23
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Problematic Colorants: None
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Wooden Pencil
The description of this product reads, “Gone are the days of black only eyeliner. Frame your eyes in a tone that suits you, with ten chic shades to choose from. We think every makeup lover needs a pencil liner in their makeup arsenal because they’re easier to handle and are super blendable for a modern smudged look. Using a soothing formulation of oils including jojoba, which nourishes your skin and conditions lashes, all our eye products including our Jojoba Eye Pencils are designed for sensitive skin and eyes.”
These pencils (from an Australian company but made in Italy) are available in 10 different shades, including several shimmery ones.
I tried the Bronze (“natural bronzed brown”) and think that it looks really nice on me.
The pencil goes on easily, allowing me to create a nice thin line.
It also seems to be one of the cleaner eyeliners that I have tried. The ingredients list looks good and it does not irritate my eyes at all.
On the downside, this pencil seems to smudge just as much hours after I put it on as it does right after application.
This contrasts substantially with pencils from many other companies, which allow some smudging just after application but then dry down to a line that remains intact until I take it off with cleanser and warm water.
This is a noticeable issue on my eyes and even more so when I draw lines from different brands on the back of my hand.
This is unfortunate since other than the durability issue this likely would be my favorite eyeliner brand by far.
I still might buy another one of these pencils because the colors are so pretty, but my expectations for it lasting very long would not be too high.
Size: 0.04 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.5 Stars (107 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredients Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, coconut oil, C10-18 triglycerides, hydrogenated vegetable oil, mica, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, oryzanol, jojoba seed oil, tocopherol, glyceryl caprylate. May Contain: Iron oxides.
Glossier No. 1 Pencil – $16
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Problematic Colorants: Blue #1, Chromium Oxide Greens, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Ultramarines, Yellow #5
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Wooden Pencil
The description of this product reads, “A longwearing pencil eyeliner that glides on smoothly with rich, buildable, blendable color, giving you endless options for creative expression—as subtle or as bold as you like. The creamy, soft (but not too soft!) formula goes right on in seconds, for instantly crisp, true color that doesn’t skip, tug or transfer. Easily creates a sharp, defined line, with just enough dry-down time to blend it out for a diffused, smoky look if you want. Once the formula sets, it’s water-resistant, transfer-resistant, and lasts up to 12 hours – so you can spend more time living life, less time worrying about your makeup. Comes in 10 demi-matte, high-pigment (and vegan!) shades inspired by the archives of art history—materials, mediums, pigments, styles, and tools—with a mix of classics and bold colors.”
I tried this pencil in the shade Fresco (“a dark forest green”) and felt that it was very pretty on me.
It is just very slightly soft and allowed me to easily draw a nice thin line.
As the description states, I was able to smudge it for a short period of time after applying it, after which it stayed intact until I removed it with warm water and cleanser.
I think that it’s probably a wise idea with this one to refrigrate it briefly before sharpening it since it is on the soft side.
This pencil irritated my eyes slightly, probably as a result of the artificial colors used in it.
That is very unfortunate since otherwise I did really like the product.
Size: 0.04 oz.
Glossier Rating: 4.0 Stars (46 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredients Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Chromium oxide greens (5), Ferric ferrocyanide (4), Ultramarines (3), Yellow #5 (6).
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Rice Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Synthetic Beeswax, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Kaolin [Rococo shade only], Tin Oxide [Rococo shade only]. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Blue 1, Chromium Oxide Greens, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Manganese Violet, Ultramarines, Yellow 5
Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Liner – $22
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Problematic Colorants: Some versions contain Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Ultramarines, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #40 and/or Aluminum Powder. Other versions contain no problematic colorants.
Contains Silicone: Yes
Type: Sharpenable Pencil with Brush
The description of this product reads, “A clean, creamy, gel-like eyeliner that deposits intense, long-wearing color with every smooth stroke. This innovative, eco-pencil features a plastic-free cellulose barrel and aluminum end caps. The flexible liquid-like texture allows just the right amount of playtime to line or smudge before setting. Clinically, Dermatologist + Ophthalmologist tested. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers.”
These silicone-containing eye pencils were introduced in 2022 and are available in 18 different shades.
Specific ingredient lists are provided for each shade.
I tried the shade Bronze Shimmer, which does not contain any ingredients other than dimethicone and titinium dioxide that are thought by EWG to be problematic.
I think that this eyeliner has gone on especially easily and that the soft look that I have been able to create with it has been especially attractive.
The color seems to have held up well on my eyes, even when I have challenged it by wearing it when exercising or napping.
I have not found that it has irritated my eyes to any appreciable extent.
Based on this experience, I would be interested in trying more shades in this product.
However, since some of the shades include aluminum powder or other problematic colorants, I will be carefully checking to make sure that the ones that I choose are on the cleaner side.
Size: 0.04 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.0 Stars (31 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Rating: 2/3 (green/yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (4), Ultramarines (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contain Trimethylsiloxysilicate.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients (Deep Cocoa Matte): Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Polybutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Kaolin, Magnesium Oxide, Alumina, Propylene Carbonate, Iron Oxides, Manganese Violet.
All Ingredients (Black Onyx): Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Dimethicone, Polybutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide.
All Ingredients (Navy Matte): Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Dimethicone, Polybutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Kaolin, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Magnesium Oxide, Alumina, Propylene Carbonate, Ultramarines, Manganese Violet, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide.
All Ingredients (Charcoal Matte): Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Polybutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Silica, Kaolin, Magnesium Oxide, Alumina, Propylene Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ultramarines.
All Ingredients (Deep Bronze Shimmer): Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dimethicone, Polybutene, Mica, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Alumina, Magnesium Oxide, Propylene Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
All Ingredients (Olive Shimmer): Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Mica, Dimethicone, Polybutene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Tin Oxide, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Alumina, Magnesium Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
All Ingredients (Onyx Gold Shimmer): Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dimethicone, Polybutene, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Tin Oxide, Propylene Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide.
Important Notes: Ratings are for the shades with the complete ingredients lists detailed above. The Titanium Shimmer (silver) shade contains aluminum powder and is not suggested as a good alternative. Brighter shades may include additional artificial colors noted by EWG as problematic, including Yellow #5, Blue #1, and Red #40. A few of the brighter shades (including Chartreuse Matte) include small amounts of Talc.
Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner – $26
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Problematic Colorants: Ferric Ferrocyanide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide
Contains Silicone: Yes
Type: Twist-Up Pencil
The description of this product reads, “Our cleanly formulated (Carbon Black and Cyclomethicone-free) soft tip gel eyeliner. Clean Line Gel Liner glides effortlessly and allows you to blend out easily before setting. Once set, it stays put. Saturated and water resistant, this formula has the precision of a pencil with the ease of a gel.”
For those who prefer twist-up eye pencils, this is one of the few options that meets the criteria of being “clean” by Credo.
Although these pencils contain several kinds of silicone, they do not contain the cyclic silicones that Credo does not allow in products that it sells.
Although I would much prefer a twist-up pencil to one that needs to be sharpened, I have found this pencil to be rather difficult to use.
I’ve had a hard time drawing a thin line of color on my eyes and also have found the application of the color to be rather patchy.
These problems were somewhat apparent when I first opened the pencil and became worse over the next couple of months.
In addition, I feel that the product has been very mildly annoying to my eyes.
All in all, I wouldn’t buy this product again.
This eyeliner is available in two colors. I have the brown version and the color itself has been fine for me.
Size: 0.01 oz.
Sephora Rating: 3.4 Stars (70 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Ferric ferrocyanide (4), Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (4). (Also contains Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Methicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyethylene, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Polyisobutene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Silica Silylate, Methicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Iron Oxide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide.
Jane Iredale Eye Pencil – $17
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Problematic Colorants: None
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Wooden Pencil
The description of this product reads, “A mineral-based eye pencil with a soft formula that will not tug at delicate skin. Made with conditioning oils and waxes. Can be used anywhere on the face. Use a Jane Iredale sharpener to maintain a rounded point. Other sharpeners will split the wood.”
Although I like this product, I think that the description of it from the company is not especially accurate since I found the pencil to be rather hard and with the tendency to tug on the skin around my eyes during application.
The pencil does feel quite clean to me and looks nice after it is applied, however.
It seems to set quickly and to hold up for quite a while unless I make an active effort to remove it.
In terms of how the formula performs and in terms of the ingredient list, it feels pretty similar to me to the 100% Pure pencil.
This pencil is available in six shades. I have the Midnight Blue and think that it is a good color for me, looking dark without being too black.
Size: 0.02 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars (1110 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Unclear
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Mango Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, Silica, Shea Butter, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Manganese Violet, Mica
Jones Road The Best Pencil – $22
♥ Lisa’s Choice
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Rating: None
Problematic Colorants: Ultramarines, Ferric Ferrocyanide
Contains Silicones: No
Type: Wooden Pencil
The description of this product reads, “The indispensable pencil. A precise, crisp line that glides on seamlessly and can be used with shadow on top or all by itself. Highly pigmented, this formula is based on 1970s no-frills, ultra-dense formulas—but updated with a clean and modern ingredient stack. Blend it, smoke it, apply it as a sharp graphic line. As easy as it is effective.”
Although I’m somewhat concerned about the use of hydrogenated cottonseed oil in this pencil, I have not found it to be irritating to my eyes and have enjoyed using it.
I feel like it goes on more smoothly and easily than most of the wooden eyebrow pencils that I have tried, while still allowing me to create a controlled look.
It also seems to have held up pretty well even when I have been wearing it through more challenging conditions (such as exercising, sweating or napping).
I have this product in Brown (“a chocolate brown”), which has worked well for me.
Unfortunately, because the issue with cottonseed oil is contamination, I don’t feel totally confident that other pencils from this line also will be okay for me.
Probably I will try another color soon, just to see how I do with it.
While I wish that this company offered a bronze shade, the Ivy (“green with a touch of black and soft iridescence”) sounds like it might be a good color for me.
Size: 0.04 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.2 Stars (108 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (5), Ultramarines (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Ferric Ferrocyanide (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyl Stearate, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, C30-45 Olefin, Hydroxystearic Acid, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate. May contain: Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, Mica, Manganese Violet, Titanium Dioxide, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Carmine
Milani Stay Put Eyeliner – $9
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Rating: Very Mild
Problematic Colorants: Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide
Contains Silicones: Yes
Type: Twist-Up Pencil with Smudger/Sharpener
The description of this product reads, “Milani Stay Put Eyeliner is wonderfully waterproof and sweat-resistant, so you can take a dip and your liner won’t quit. It’s pool proof, puddle proof and cry proof — so you’ll enjoy electric color no matter what you get up to. This all-in-one eyeliner pencil features a built-in sharpener to keep your tip in top shape, plus a clutch smudger tool for even more versatility. Smoke it or set it for day or dark — the choice is yours with this long-lasting eyeliner. Color inside the lines or smudge a statement; go for blurred lines or sharp shapes.”
This is a somewhat odd product that always gives me a sense of what it would be like to use a marker pen to line my eyes.
It seems to be aptly named, since I can use it to draw a nice neat line on my eyes that remains intact and looks very pretty for many hours.
However, it’s important to realize that this eyeliner hardly smudges at all even right after it is applied and that it comes off only quite reluctantly (with oil-based cleansers and warm water and a little scrubbing being necessary to get it off).
I found it to be a little irritating to my eyes, though no more so than some other eyeliners from supposedly “clean” companies.
As of this writing, the product is available in five shades. I have Moss Boss, which is a forest green color that I do think is pretty.
I will not be using this one again though.
Size: 0.01 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 (246 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (4). (Also contains Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Ozokerite, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Nylon-12, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Isobutyl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tin Oxide.
RMS Straight Line Kohl Eye Pencil – $20
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Problematic Colorants: None
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Wooden Pencil with Smudger
The description of this product reads, “Infused with mango and meadowfoam seed oils for nourishment and a velvety smooth application, the dual-sided classic wood pencil features a sponge tip on one end to blend and smudge. Also included is a custom RMS beauty sharpener to keep things precise.”
This product comes in three shades and has what looks to me like a clean ingredients list.
I tried the product in the color Bronze Definition and thought that it looked nice on me.
Unfortunately, I also found on the several occasions that I tried it that it was mildly irritating to my eyes.
I don’t really understand that since I have not yet had problems with any other RMS products.
This eye pencil is stated as being made in the Czech Republic, and I have no idea what manufacturing standards are like in that country.
I do wonder about contamination since the ingredients list looks okay to me though.
In any case, I found that this product went on very easily and looked nice on me while I was wearing it, and I am sorry that I am not able to use it.
Size: 0.038 oz.
RMS Rating: 4.7 (20 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredients Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Mango Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, Silica, Glyceryl Caprylate, Carnauba Wax, *Jojoba Seed Oil, Tocopherol (non-GMO), Sunflower Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Iron Oxides. *organic
Tarte Sea Surfer Curl Waterproof Gel Eyeliner – $20
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Problematic Colorants: Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide
Contains Silicones: Yes
Type: Twist-Up Pencil with Sharpener
The description of this product reads, “This liner is made with soft-melting gel with a natural wax blend, ensuring a smooth, easy glide that never skips, tugs, or drags on delicate eyelids. Its feather-light sealing film locks the formula down for lasting wear. The ultra-precise tip with built-in sharpener gives the perfect line, every time.”
Although this pencil is hard enough to sharpen when in the tube, it feels very soft when I am applying it to my eyes and immediately smudges into a soft look whether I want it to or not.
I feel that it goes on a little patchy and that (even when the pencil is sharp) it takes some skilled effort to draw what I think is a nice-looking line.
Once the product is applied, it stays in place without smudging. Eventually it does seem to start to wear off though.
The eyeliner is available in three colors – black, bronze and brown. I have the black version.
I found it to be a little irritating to my eyes.
I wouldn’t buy this one again.
Size: 0.012 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.0 Stars (26 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Unclear
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredients Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Mica, Silica Silylate, Polybutene, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Carnauba Wax, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Water, Glycerin, Sargassum Pacificum Thallus Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide.
W3LL People Fresh Lines Eye Pencil – $17
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Problematic Colorants: None
Contains Silicone: No
Type: Wooden Pencil
The description of this product reads, “A vegan eye pencil with a soft, creamy formula that lines and defines your eyes with rich, budge-proof color. Precision meets versatility with this luxe and silky eye pencil, featuring a rich, high-pigmented formula to build the definition you crave. This versatile pencil eyeliner glides on smoothly and stays put, allowing you to define your look with saturated color, create subtle definition, or blend into a sultry smoky eye. The formula is packed with plant-powered ingredients like mango seed, jojoba, and castor seed oils to nourish and condition your lash line for comfortable wear and skincare benefits.”
This eyeliner goes on my eyes easily and smoothly, but I have had a very hard time creating a thin line even when the pencil is sharp.
The pencil more wants to make a dramatic smoky eye that I actually think is rather attractive but that I personally would only wear as a evening look.
While the product is not as budge-proof as some, it does hold up pretty well for a few hours rather than quickly smudging away.
I have this pencil in black but feel that it looks more like a dark and slightly shimmery grey when it is on my eyes.
The pencil is available in only two colors, and I have not yet tried the brown one.
The ingredients list for this pencil looks quite clean, and I do not feel that it has irritated my eyes.
The worst thing about this pencil is actually that (at least with the one that I received) the cap has a tendency to come off. That makes the product almost unusable for me, though perhaps people who store their eyeliners differently than I do would not be bothered by that.
Size: 0.032 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.0 Stars (23 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Castor seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, mica, hydrogenated jojoba oil, candelilla wax, meadowfoam seed oil, mango seed butter, carnauba wax, argania spinosa kernel oil, glyceryl caprylate, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbyl palmitate. May contain iron oxides. *Organic ingredients.
Wander Beauty Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner – $21
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Problematic Colorants (Napa Nights): Red #40, Ultramarines, Blue #1
Problematic Colorants (Other Versions): None
Contains Silicone: Yes
Type: Twist-Up Pencil with Sharpener
The description of this product reads, “Delivers the intense pigmentation of a gel-formula liner in a convenient automatic pencil, with a built-in sharpener for precise application every time. The creamy, no-tug eye pencil can be used along the upper or lower lash line, extended to create a dramatic eyeliner flick, blended for a smokey effect, or used as all over shadow. Enriched with a moisturizing combination of olive fruit oil and jojoba oil, the Skyliner Gel formula blends seamlessly to desired effect and then sets for long lasting wear.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 0.018 oz.
Wander Beauty Rating: 4.7 Stars (1760 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 2/3 (green/yellow)
EWG Ingredients Rating: 2-6 (green/yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: C13-15 alkane (3), Dimethicone (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #40 (6), Ultramarines (3), Blue #1 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients (Jet Black): Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, Isohexadecane, Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, C13-15 Alkane, Candelilla Wax, Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Caprylate, Olive Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Jojoba Seed Oil. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Mica.
All Ingredients (Tan Line): Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, Isohexadecane, Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, C13-15 Alkane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Candelilla Wax, Polyisobutene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Olive Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide.
All Ingredients (Napa Nights): Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, Isohexadecane, Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Ceresin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, C13-15 Alkane, Candelilla Wax, Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Olive Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Red 40, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Ultramarines, Blue 1, Iron Oxides.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Caliray Surfproof Easy Glider Eyeliner Pencil – $20
GXVE Line It Up Clean Waterproof Eyeliner – $21
Item Beauty Lucky Line Eyeliner Pencil – $14
Jillian Dempsey Eyeliner – $20
Milk Makeup Infinity Eyeliner Pencil – $22
Pacifica Vegan Longwear Eyeliners – $11
Pacifica Vegan Waterproof Eyeliners – $11
Trash Can
Alima Pure Natural Definition Eye Pencil ($22): I found that this wooden pencil irritated my eyes and also did not perform very well in terms of staying put on my eyes. EWG gives the product a rating of 1 (green), even though it contains hydrogenated cottonseed oil (5) and titanium dioxide (3).
Aveda Petal Essence Eye Definer ($30): This pencil irritated my eyes and also was difficult to apply. EWG gives the product a 6 (yellow), flagging as potentially problematic the hydrogenated cottonseed oil (5), titanium dioxide (3), ferric ferrocyanide (4), chromium hydroxide green (4), blue #1 (7), and ultramarines (3).
Chantecaille Luster Glide Eye Liner ($33): This eye pencil looked nice on me but caused immediate and substantial irritation to my eyes. It contains perfluorononyl dimethicone, which is an ingredient similar to the main one in Teflon that is not used in any other makeup products that I have tried. Although this particular ingredient apparently has not been the subject of many research papers, PFAS chemicals in general have been the subject of enough general concern that the U.S. Congress has considered banning them entirely in cosmetics. Chantecaille did agree to give me a refund (including paying for the return shipping). EWG gives the product a 3 (yellow), citing as problematic the PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone (3) and the perfluorononyl dimethicone (4). Personally, I think that EWG is underestimating the problems associated with perfluorononyl dimethicone and am in agreement with Credo that it should not be used in cosmetics products at all (and especially in ones used near the eyes).
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes ($22): I used to wear these eyeliners occasionally and found that my eyes would get slightly irritated by the end of the day when I did so. Now that I have found some better choices, I don’t see myself using them again. EWG gives this product a 5 (yellow), flagging as possibly problematic the cyclopentasiloxane (3), BHT (3), titanium dioxide (3), blue #1 (7), chromium hydroxide green (4), yellow #5 (6), chromium oxide greens (5), ultramarines (3), and ferric ferrocyanide (4). Note that while the ingredients list states that the product may contain aluminum powder, a Clinique representatitve informed me in early 2022 that none of the currently existing colors (including True Khaki, Roast Coffee, Smoky Brown, Slate, New Black, Dark Chocolate, Violet, Black Brown, Blue Gray, Grape, and Really Black) actually contained that ingredient.
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense ($22): The regular Clinique Quickliners are only a little irritating to my eyes, and so I considered trying the Intense versions as well until I realized that they include perfluorononyl dimethicone, which appears to have been a problem for me with the Chantecaille eyeliner. EWG gives the Clinique Intense Quickliners a 7 (red), flagging cyclopentasiloxane (3), PEG/PPG-19/19 dimethicone (3), perfluorononyl dimethicone (4), ferric ferrocyanide (4), yellow #5 (6), chromium oxide greens (5), chromium hydroxide green (4), titanium dioxide (3), blue #1 (7), and ultramarines (3). The ingredients list also mentions aluminum powder (9) as possibly included, but a Clinique representative wrote to me that aluminum actually was not used in any of the currently available shades (including Intense Midnight, Intense Plum, Intense Chocolate, Intense Ivy, Intense Charcoal, Intense Black, Intense Ebony, Intense Aubergine, Intense Peridot, Intense Clove). Although some of these colors look pretty, I am concerned enough about the perfluorononyl dimethicone that I have not tried this product and do not suggest that others do so either.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Infinite Waterproof Eyeliner ($30): Although this eyeliner was easy to apply and looked nice on me, it irritated my eyes. EWG gives rates the product as a 5 (yellow), flagging as problematic the titanium dioxide (3), ferric ferrocyanide (4), aluminum powder (9), and ultramarines (3).
Honest Vibeliner Pencil Eyeliner ($13): This eyeliner irritated my eyes and also was somewhat difficult to apply. Oddly, the product is EWG Verified, even though it is stated as including hydrogenated cottonseed oil (6), titanium dioxide (3), blue #1 (7), and ferric ferrocyanide (4).
Mineral Fusion Eye Pencil ($18): This pencil irritated my eyes and also smudged a lot. The product is EWG Verified and contains titanium dioxide (3). Cottonseed is also listed as being included, but EWG does not state that as being a problem even though I don’t see why that would be less likely to be contaminated than hydrogenated cottonseed oil. The Touch (brown) shade also contains aluminum powder and thus is definitely not suggested as a possibility.
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner ($28): This silicone-based eyeliner (in the shade Cocoa) went on very smoothly and made it easy to create a smokey eye, but it also irritated my eyes more than most of the eyeliners than I have tried. The product contains isoceteth-10, which to my understanding is an ethoxylated substance that is on Credo’s “dirty list.” EWG gives the product a 3 (yellow), citing as potentially problematic the isoceteth-10 (3), tocopheryl acetate (3) and dimethicone (3). The product also contains some additional silicones, including stearyl dimethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate/dimethiconol crosspolymer, and dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer.
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: 100% Pure, Alima Pure, Amazon, Aveda, Bare Minerals, Bobbi Brown, Burt’s Bees, Clinique, Credo, Ere Perez, Haus Labs, Honest, Ilia, Jane Iredale, Jones Road, Milani, Mineral Fusion, Pharmaca, Sephora, Tarte, Ulta, W3LL People, and Wander Beauty.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Those signing up will receive a free PDF copy of the book Back From The Edge (describing the extraordinary life of mold avoidance pioneer Erik Johnson) and also will be automatically entered in sweepstakes giving away a variety of cleaner products.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
